Walworth County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Walworth County, South Dakota is 5,298 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $62,722, the median home value is $130,000, and the median age is 41.6.
The population of Walworth County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (5,443 → 5,270), a -0.23% annualized rate.
5,298
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$62,722
Median Income
$130,000
Median Home Value
Walworth County covers 707 sq mi of land at 7.5 people per square mile.
About Walworth County, SD
What distinguishes Walworth County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 7 people per square mile. With 5,298 residents, Walworth County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #33 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Median household income is $62,722, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.4%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $130,000, with typical rent around $962.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 5.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Walworth County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Walworth County had a population of 5,443 in 2010 and 5,270 in 2024, a -3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,561 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
5,270
Population (2024)
5,443
Population (2010)
5,561
Peak (2011)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,443 |
| 2011 | 5,561 |
| 2012 | 5,449 |
| 2013 | 5,489 |
| 2014 | 5,508 |
| 2015 | 5,412 |
| 2016 | 5,469 |
| 2017 | 5,480 |
| 2018 | 5,450 |
| 2019 | 5,421 |
| 2020 | 5,294 |
| 2021 | 5,261 |
| 2022 | 5,266 |
| 2023 | 5,264 |
| 2024 | 5,270 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 19.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.6
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,722$-9,699 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,035 |
| Per-capita income | $37,717 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%+4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Walworth County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
6.2%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
15.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$130,000$-106,800 vs state
Median home value
$962
Median rent
74.2%
Homeownership rate
2,941
Total housing units
81.5%
Occupied
18.5%
Vacant
25.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.3%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
34.3%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.0%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.0%
High School+
31.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Dakota
Other counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
Metro areas in South Dakota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Walworth County, South Dakota has a population of 5,298 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Walworth County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (5,443 → 5,270), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Walworth County, South Dakota is $62,722, with mean (average) household income of $85,035 and per-capita income of $37,717. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Walworth County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.7%), Hispanic or Latino (19.6%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Walworth County, South Dakota is 41.6 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Walworth County is $130,000 and median monthly rent is $962. 74.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,941 total housing units, 18.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Walworth County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Walworth County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Walworth County, SD Climate
Walworth County, SD has an average annual temperature of 6.3°C (43°F) and receives about 444 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.3°C
Avg Temp
444
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 8 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 10 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 27 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 53 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 66 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 81 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 60 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 51 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 35 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 28 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 14 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 11 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Walworth County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Walworth County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Walworth County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.